Around the time Ken Niumatalolo’s name was gaining traction as Arizona’s leading candidate – the Star reported that the UA offered him the job – Tate tweeted the following: “I didn’t come to Arizona to run the triple-option.” Niumatalolo coaches at Navy, where the option is the primary offense.

"I had to make sure I was heard, make sure the team was heard, because my teammates didn't want to run the triple option, either.”

Tate was interviewed at Steve Clarkson’s quarterback camp in Pacific Palisades, California. A request made by the Star to interview Tate earlier in the offseason was declined. Players were not made available during spring practice until after the spring game, when Tate spoke briefly along with teammates at a news conference.

Tate sent the tweet Jan. 12 - the same day the Star reported that Arizona had offered Niumatalolo the job. Arizona hired Sumlin on Jan. 14.

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Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss Arizona's hiring of Kevin Sumlin as the new head football coach of Tucson.

The author of the Bleacher Report story, Matt Hayes, theorized that the sequence of events from January 2018 could change the way universities go about hiring coaches. Wrote Hayes:

“Years from now we may look back at that moment in January when Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate tweeted out those 10 words that essentially torpedoed Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo's candidacy as the Wildcats' new coach—and eventually led to Kevin Sumlin's hire—as the beginning of innovative change in the way college sports operate.

“The superstar player takes a stand, a willing university proactively responds. Tate's explanation of those indispensable minutes that started it all is as revealing as it is refreshing.”

Tate further explained that he wanted to show Robbins and UA athletic director Dave Heeke that he and his teammates cared deeply about the identity of their new coach. Tate said he speaks to them regularly, considers them “friends” and was “grateful to be part of the process.” Other players, including linebacker Tony Fields II, voiced their opinions during the coaching search via social media.

“I think Ken Niumatalolo is a great coach. It's nothing against him,” Tate said. “But I think it was important to say what I had to say and let everyone know that we're not just going to be quiet and let things happen. We're going to be heard."

Robbins acknowledged seeing Tate’s tweet and thinking, “Wow, man, the power of social media.” Robbins recently told the Star that the while he had input in the decision to hire Sumlin, Heeke had the final say.

Tate is scheduled to speak to reporters Wednesday at Pac-12 Media Day in Los Angeles.

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New Arizona Wildcats head football coach Kevin Sumlin poses with UA president Robert Robbins and athletic director Dave Heeke at the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility on Jan. 16, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Star

New University of Arizona Wildcats head football coach Kevin Sumlin jokes with past players during his introductory press conference at the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility on Jan. 16, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. Sumlin succeeds Rich Rodriguez, who was fired in December 2017. Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Star

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin talks with his players in the huddle during a review during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on Aug. 28, 2014. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin (left) talks with quarterback Kyle Allen (10) after a touchdown against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks during the first quarter at Kyle Field on Nov. 1, 2014. Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin gives a thumbs up as he leaves the field following their win over the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 1, 2016. Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports